Will putting an LCD TV a foot from a gas fireplace damage it? ?

Absolutely it can become damaged. For one, most HDTVS (although LCD has less of an issue with this than PLASMA) give off a lot of heat. The units have built in measures like fans and vents etc to help relieve itself of heat. Putting something that cost you roughly $2000 next to that big of a heat source is ASKING for trouble. DO NOT DO IT! You may not notice the effects of the added heat right away, but it will definately do damage over time, not only to the frame of the TV, but internal components as well. I used to install Home Theatres and our company would not install above fireplaces or anything less than 3 ft from that kind of source of heat. In very few cases (and I mean like 2-4) we had the customers sign a waiver stating that it was not a recommended area to install and anyd amages occuring due to excess heat, our company would not be held responsible for. Sure enough, I know that at least 2 of those had issues. I'm not aware of a website online that states this, but I'll keep my eyes peeled and be sure to get back to you if I find one.